Palestine Chamber Magazine 2018-2019 - Page 25

Culture
PA L E S T I N E C H A M B E R.O RG
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The Museum for East Texas Culture
I
n the early 1900s, voters in Palestine passed a
$100,000 bond issue for a new high school, and
selected the newly formed 22-acre Reagan Park
for the campus. Fort Worth architects Sanguinet and
Staats designed the Tudor-Gothic style, elaborate brick
building, two stories tall, positioned on a raised base-
ment. There were originally eight lecture rooms, a
library, a gymnasium, laboratories, and an auditorium.
The school opened in 1916, and the first graduating
class in 1917 had 38 students. The first faculty consisted
on one principal and ten teachers.
The high school became the junior high in 1939. In
1955, the high school was named for John H. Reagan,
and served as an elementary school from 1966 to 1976,
when the school was closed.
The building was to be demolished because of its con-
dition but was saved by a group of dedicated citizens
who did not want to lose such a historical part of the
city. The building was renovated and turned into a mu-
seum, the Museum of East Texas Culture, which opened
its doors in 1982 for the first weekend of the Dogwood
Trails Celebration.
The marvelous old high school is now the deposi-
tory for the historical treasures of Palestine and Ander-
son County with multiple rooms that feature different
memorabilia and historical items.
The museum is a labor of love by numerous volun-
teers and faithful members. You can become a museum
member for as little as $25 per year for the entire fam-
ily. Call (903) 723-1914 or stop by the museum office
on the first floor to become a member. It is open to the
public from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.
The Museum for East Texas Culture is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization. Your membership or donation is
tax deductible. Visit our website at http://museumpales-
tine.org or follow us on Facebook.